Clayton Kershaw reached the targeted four innings in his rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday night. The start was Kershaw’s third since beginning his Minor League assignment last month.
“Some things I’d like to do better, but overall another good step,” he said after leaving the game. “Got my pitch count up there a decent amount, so that was good. I think overall, health-wise, I feel good. Everything is good.”
After largely breezing through his first two outings, one of which was with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, the left-hander ran into some trouble against the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers affiliate).
He allowed three runs on six hits, including one home run, and finished with just two strikeouts. Encouraging aspects from the start were Kershaw didn’t walk a batter and needed just 67 pitches (49 strikes) to get through the outing.
His fastball velocity topped out at 91.7 mph and it represented the first time Kershaw has pitched past the third inning this year.
Overall in three rehab starts on his rehab assignment, Kershaw has thrown a combined 10 innings with four runs allowed, eight hits, and 12 strikeouts to two walks.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the team would have discussions on the next step if the outing with OKC went well. Roberts suggested it was plausible the 36-year-old would next pitch for the Dodgers.
When is Clayton Kershaw returning?
Given Roberts’ comments and Kershaw getting through the set goal of four innings, it’s certainly plausible his next time pitching is going to come for the Dodgers.
That’s a possibility the left-hander embraces, but Kershaw also is mindful of not putting the Dodgers in difficult position.
“I think ultimately it’s just where the team is at. Obviously I’m not built up to 100 pitches. Would love to come back whenever they need me, obviously, but I don’t want to put the team in a bad spot,” he said.
“Especially the way we’ve been grinding through the last few weeks. I’d love to contribute, but also I get it. We’ll just talk about it, I guess, and see what happens.”
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